Monday, May 23, 2011

As we begin, let’s take a look at our Gospel text from John 14:1-14, and read the first four verses.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.My Father’s house has plenty of room; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”

As a teenager, while on family vacation, we visited and toured Hurst Castle. Have you ever been to Hurst Castle? I still have vivid memories of everything from the welcome center to the bowling alley.

When ever I think of places with lots of room I often think of two places – College dorms and Castles. But dorms and Castles are quite different. Castles are elaborate and spacious while dorms are practical and crowded.

That was certainly the case of my freshman dorm. We were over crowded. They let too many kids in that year and didn’t have enough rooms to accommodate all the students. Space was at a premium! However, as the administration looked around, they noticed they could retool some space and make room – so they put some of us lucky kids in the student lounges. One lounge had something like 20 guys all bunked up together. Needless to say the dorm was crowded! We were packed like sardines. Yet this was one of my favorite years of College life!

If you’ve ever been to Hearst Castle – you know it is nothing like a College dormitory. While Hearst castle has 165 rooms and 127 acres of gardens, terraces, pools and walkways, it is certainly not a college campus. I remember being in awe as I walked the grounds of the Castle. I remember walking into a living room with what seemed to be 100 ft ceilings. The walls were covered with ornate art work and details and the dining room table was large enough to seat a small army. As we journeyed downstairs we stepped into a home theater with classic theater seats and a two lane bowling alley next door. There were three pools; with one indoor and looked like it came straight out of Europe with the most amazing mosaic tile work I’d ever seen. The grounds of the castle are amazing and I’ve talked about the place a handful of times with my wife and look forward to visiting it again.

As Jesus describes his father’s house – a place with plenty of room – my mind is often drawn to the beauty of the Castle. With all the imagery and word play of God’s Kingdom, it’s hard not to imagine such beauty and royalty.

I find the location of our text very interesting. We know Jesus is talking to his disciples, but where are they? Are they up on a hillside or down on a lake? Are they in the city or out in the country? If we look back to chapter 13, we will notice the dialogue of chapter 14 is found in the midst of the “Last Supper.”

Here we are, in the midst of Holy Week. Jesus has just stooped down and washed his disciple’s feet. He has just described to them the importance of being a servant, and that they too are to do as he does. He goes on to tell them in chapter 13 verse 35 (and I think this is key…) “Everyone will know you as My followers if you demonstrate your love to others.”

They are in the midst of Holy Week. Jesus had entered the city on Palm Sunday to excitement and celebration – and Good Friday is just a head of them.They had just experienced Palm Sunday, where the crowds came singing Hosanna’s and waving palm branches. The people were expecting a triumphant king. And here they are, just a few days later, in chapter 14, where Jesus is describing his betrayal, his imminent departure, and his father’s house.

I find the location of our text very interesting. Jesus shares with his friends that he’s going to be leaving them. So, obviously they’re a little discouraged. They don’t understand why they can’t go with him. They have followed him everywhere, for the past three years they’ve gone with him everywhere. So, they don’t get it. They are confused and they feel a little powerless and helpless. They ask him questions like: “Why can’t we go?”

What’s Jesus’ response to their confusion and feelings of helplessness? He says:“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.”

Jesus tells them that by his going to the Father, they will be able to do greater things than they’ve seen before. Because Jesus is going, the disciples (and us) will be able to do greater things than the miracles he did.

I think the location of our text this morning is very interesting. Particularly as we have our friends with us who just got back from a long term missions trip to Africa. Particularly on the heals of the proposed events of yesterday. Particularly as we look at who we are; here as a local church, here in LA, here in California and in the United States.

In our Gospel text, Jesus talks about where he's going and how there is room for all of us. He tells us we will be able to do the great things he has done - and more!

I believe the Father’s House is big enough to include all of us, our brothers and sisters here and abroad. I believe God's house is big enough to encompass us and those in Africa, Egypt and Europe. I believe we have to think of God’s house as both figurative and literal.

As I read this passage, my mind can’t help but think about the Father’s house up in heaven. However, my practical mind always brings it back to the present. I’m always drawn to depiction found in the Gospel of Matthew which says it is here and now! God’s house is up in heaven, but it’s also here. Churches and Cathedrals and Synagogues are even commonly referred to as the House of God. There’s a practical, here and now, element to the Fathers house.

Jesus tells his disciples that by his going to the Father, they will be able to do greater things than they have ever seen before. Because Jesus is going, the disciples (and us) will be able to do greater things than the amazing miracles he did.

As I think about who we are, we are blessed, particularly here in North America. We are blessed with an abundance of resources.... what are we doing with them? How are we living and participating in greater things than the actions, activities and miracles of Christ?

We know God heals. We have seen his miraculous touch on the lives of so many. We know he feeds and nurtures. We have seen his provision in times of disaster. But we have to wonder – how do we do greater things than he did? How is it possible?

Perhaps it is not done individually. Jesus says in John 14 that we will not be greater than he, but we will do greater things than he. Notice it’s not an individual command. It is a corporate one. Together, we can do greater things.

This passage speaks to me about how we use our resources. We are to collectively utilize our gifts, relationships, money, and skills. We’re not to hoard them. As Matthew says, we’re not to store up for ourselves treasures on earth… We are to be actively involved in God’s Kingdom. We are to be actively using our resources, gifts and skills for His glory.

I can’t help but wonder: How are we living beyond? How are we participating in even greater things? How are we living out the Gospel? How are we living out the Good News? How are we continually living out God’s love as we daily interact with our local and global community?

The question really boils down to: “What are we able to do with the resources we have?” What are we individually able to contribute and what are we able to do together? As we look at our collective lives, what are we able to do specifically with this "house of God" which has many rooms? Our old building has lots of room, so how are we going to utilize this rich resource God has granted us? How are we going to be like the good steward and ensure it is maximized for God’s Glory?

Jesus tells his disciples that by his going to the Father, they will be able to do greater things than they have ever seen before. Because Jesus is going, we will be able to do greater things than the amazing miracles he did. How are we living beyond, and participating in even greater things? What might that look like for us?

What if had office space for nonprofits? What if space was given for developing and providing means to clean water? What would it be like to have a team of nonprofits working together, making this world a better, healthier place?

What if we hosted parent support groups? What would it be like to have parents, moms, dads, nannies and grannies meet-up in this building. Could there be a strengthening of relationships? Could our little faith community support and impact our community?

What if we went on mission trips? What if together we went to Haiti and helped dig a well? What if we went to Ukraine and cultivated a soccer field for an orphanage? What would it be like for those kids who were able to play on a grass field and drink the water of love?

What if we had showers for the homeless – Could our role in the Kingdom of God be to provide a place for people to wash, and find that simple dignity once again.

What if we gathered weekly for a meal together… where we collectively brought the ingredients and together prepared the meal. Would we make more food than we could eat? Would there be leftovers? Could those who have nothing – share at the table – and leave with something?

What if we forwent our Thanksgiving– and instead cooked up turkeys and mashed potatoes and homemade pies for the disenfranchised; for those who worry about being forgotten; for those who seek the familiar face of the traditions; for those who long to be part of the family!

What if…?

The options are endless, and the question is before us! What are we going to do with the resources we have? What are we individually going to contribute and what are we going to do together? As we look at our collective lives, what are we going to do specifically with this "house of God" which has many rooms?

Jesus Christ, the humble king, came – not promoting a conservative ethic of hoarding – but one of giving. He came and loved others in ways unfamiliar to the world. He came and gave in unique ways. He came in humility, and he came that we may have life and have it more abundantly.

As Jesus describes his father’s house – a place with plenty of room – my mind is often drawn to the beauty of the Castle. With all the imagery and word play of God’s Kingdom, it’s hard not to imagine such beauty and royalty. But I’m not sure Jesus was speaking of elaborate and spacious Castles, relics of power and money. Rather, looking at his life and message, I think he was drawing us to the practical and crowded life of the dorm. He is calling us to a life of active, practical relational chaos. The college dorm is a crazy mix of hope for the future and brutal nights of hard active studying and living life together. It is a resource that is used and abused. It is overcrowded, yet it often stretches to gladly include one more. To me, that sounds a lot like the relational God we know!

The question is before us! What are we going to do with the resources we have? What are we individually going to contribute and what are we going to do together? As we look at our collective lives, what are we going to do in this "house of God" which has room to stretch and be used?

As Christ sits next to the father – those who believe in him, whatever we ask in his name, he will do. There’s room in his house and at his table, who are we going to invite? What miracles are we ready to be a part of? Hand in hand, together let’s embrace and share in his kingdom presence. Let’s step out in unique ways, and love!

As you go, participate in God’s active presence here and now. Go and Love!

Monday, May 16, 2011

I was given free tickets my first year living in Kansas City to go to the Royals baseball game. I grabbed a few friends and we headed for the game. The seats were great. They were on the third base side, about fifty feet out from the base, and they were on the field. We literally put our feet up on the rail of the field.

It was probably the best game I’ve been to. They were quiet possibly the best seats I’ve ever had. It was fun. We ate pop corn, watched the game and enjoyed our time together. About six innings in, I looked up at the Jumbo Tron and did one of those double takes. My head jumped from the Jumbo Tron to the batter back to the Jumbo Tron and back to the batter. As I made it back, the batter hit a double.

As he was running the bases, I began asking my friends what his name was. They didn’t know. And then all of a sudden – they announced it over the speakers. Eric Munson.

Eric Munson – I went to high school with the dude. I played basketball with him, I walked the halls with him. I knew Eric. I was caught off guard. I wasn’t expecting to see my old high school buddy, for one in the middle of Kansas, and two playing professional ball.

At the close of the inning – I ran over to the dugout and yelled at him to get his attention. I think it took me several innings, I think he was ignoring my voice assuming I was some annoying fan, before he looked up, recognized me and said “Timmy – what are you doing here?”

As I think about our day’s text, my mind is drawn to these stories of hearing.

We find in our Gospel Text today from John 10, Jesus telling the Pharisees a story about a shepherd and his sheep. It’s really a story about hearing or listening and location or entering. It’s about listening and entering.

I’ve always been pretty active. I started playing sports when I was young. I played baseball and soccer, and I’ve played basketball since I was in 5th grade.

Sports, like life, are interesting. There is always some sort of distraction. In little league, I think of the kid in the outfield… tossing up his glove, picking at the weeds, unaware of the fly ball coming straight towards him. In college, I think of the noise makers and toilet paper coming down from the stands at the Home Coming games. Distractions are all around us. As little kids we have to weed out the voice of our parents to hear the coach. As young adults we have to block out the fans and focus on the game plan. In sports, there are distractions all around.

When we think of athletics - you have to be able to hear your coach. You have to be able to hear your teammates. You have to be able to communicate with one another so you’re on the same page, striving toward the same goal.

I think of the Third Base coach in Baseball – giving the signs to the batter to swing away. I think of the Point Guard holding up his fingers to tell his teammates what offense to run. I think of all these aspects of communication as we look at hearing from the One who is speaking to us. As we strive to hear the One who is leading us.

When I was playing basketball in High School, my sister realized I would never hear her cheer for me among the voices of the crowd. I would never hear amongst all my friends. So, rather than calling out my name, which all my friends did – she began to yell “Go Brother!” Among the noise of the crowd and the rumble of the court, whether I had seen her come into the gym or not, I knew she was there supporting me and cheering for me as I heard those two words. Among the distractions of the game – I could hear her support.

We find in the tenth chapter of John Jesus telling the Pharisees a story about a shepherd and his sheep. In many ways it’s a story about hearing. Jesus says the sheep hear the shepherd’s voice. They follow him because they recognize and trust him. Jesus says if the sheep hear the voice of a stranger – they run. When there are voices and distractions from other sources – they run. They run from the unfamiliar.

Our task today is to hear the voice of the shepherd; the voice of Jesus – and focus upon it. Listen to it. Heed its message, and act upon it. It’s about listening and entering.

In John’s Gospel, we come to this story about the sheep and the gate directly after Jesus has healed a man of blindness. We come to this section about hearing immediately after a piece about seeing. Over the past few weeks we have been reminded about God’s interactions with us through our senses. And today is no different. Today we are reminded of the importance of hearing God.

Bree and I have a dear friend up in Seattle who goes to a mainline church. Their churches catch phrase or slogan, their denominational motto or statement is: “God is Still Speaking.”

God is still speaking. Do you believe that? If so – I think we had better listen! Which makes this passage about the shepherd that much more important! If he is still speaking, then we have the opportunity to hear from him. If he’s not, then why bother listening for his voice? Why bother listening for his directions or leadership? Our culture has stopped listening. They have filled their lives with all the distractions available and stopped believing “God is still speaking”

But if he is still speaking, which I believe he is, then we have this profound opportunity to hear him, listen to him, and interact with him. If he is still speaking – which he is – we need to figure out how to remove the distractions and noise around us and hear his voice.

As I think about this aspect of hearing and listening I think of my son. Phin is just barely two and he is in that strange place where he’s figuring out how the world works. His little mind is constantly moving and going, and he is learning and taking everything in and in that – he’s pretty easily distracted. Like the little two year old – we too are easily distracted!

When I need my son to stop doing something I have to really get his attention. I have to clap my hands or grab his arm. When I want him to do one thing over another I have to make sure he sees the two options and pays attention. I have to guide him and direct him to see the option he needs to take.

I think there’s often a difference between hearing and listening. I know Phineas hears me more often than he listens. He often hears me telling him to stop as he is running away, smiling and giggling. But I don’t need him to only hear me as he moves out the door and towards the street. I need him to listen to me.

I don’t know about you, but at times I’m a lot like Phin. At times I’m a lot like a two year old. When I have the computer on my lap and my wife walks in and says something to me… she can easily decipher if I’ve heard her or if I’ve listened to her. She can easily tell if I was paying attention, being a good listener.

How can she tell? Our body language, it gives it away. How? Our actions or inactions they give it away. Hearing takes nothing. Hearing takes no further action. However when we listen, we are called to action. When we listen we are called to participate.

That’s what Jesus was pointing out to the Pharisees here in John. They saw what he was doing and they heard the things he was saying. But there was a disconnect. They weren’t putting their knowledge of God and the things Jesus was saying together. They weren’t listening. They were caught up in seeing things only one way, through one perspective.

In the busyness of life, with all the competing voices of the culture – can you decipher the voice of your Lord? In the busyness of life, with all the tugs and pulls of our society – are you paying attention to the directions of the Shepherd? In the busyness of life, with all of the competing perspectives, are you obedient to the voice of Christ?

When we hear but do not listen; our faith is stuck, it is in active. It is stagnant. When we listen, we are called to action. When we listen we are called to participate. When we put action to the hearing – we are blessed with the freedom of moving in and out. When we listen – we put action to our hearing.

If we will start in the quiet places of life… slowly we will be able to hear God in the midst of the noisy distractions.

In our Gospel text this morning Jesus basically refers to himself as the gate. We could have a long discussion about what all that means. But in connection to the previous part about hearing his voice and listening, I think this section, for us, is a reminder that we are called to a relationship of action.

As the shepherd stands at the gate and leads us to green pastures. As the shepherd calls out our names and walks with us, he does so in an invitation to movement. We are not stuck in the sheep pen. We are not stuck within four walls of a building. We are to come and go. We are to listen to his voice and go where he leads. We are to listen to his voice and move beyond the confines and into the world.

What I feel the heart beat of Jesus’ ministry was and is – is a call to movement and action. The Pharasees had gotten used to hearing God’s words and his stories. But they had become content to sit and debate rather than move about and practice. As this parable is directed to the Pharisees, we can’t help but be reminded that God wants us to be active in his kingdom. He wants us to hear his voice and put action to it.

Studying Scripture is great. We need to study. But we cannot simply study and study and study it. We need to hear the word of the Lord. No doubt about it! But we cannot simply hear and hear and hear. We must listen. We must put action to our hearing. We must be willing to leave the sheep pen and move about. We must be willing to wander, allowing our ears to listen for the directions of the Shepherd, and follow!

I really believe this text is about sheep and gates. It’s about hearing and listening and entering. Gates are installed so they can be opened and closed. They are used in place of a solid fence so there can be movement. A gate opens and closes allowing us the opportunity to freely listen and obey.

God has given us free will. He describes himself as the shepherd and he is still speaking. He describes himself as the gate – and he allows us to hear to his voice and decide for ourselves if we will listen to his call of active faith.

Familiarize yourself with the voice of God. Hear his voice. Listen to his words, and actively follow his instruction. As he actively speaks his loving graces among you, familiarize yourself with the voice of God!

As you go, hear the voice of Jesus and be active in your listening. Go and Love!

Monday, May 9, 2011

Since we’re still in the “get-to-know-you” phase, have I told you this yet? I love to eat. If not, let me tell you something about me: I love to eat. I love to eat all kinds of food. I love to eat in all kinds of locations. I love to eat. I love to eat at home, out with friends, with family and even by myself. I love to eat Italian, Mexican, and American foods. I particularly love to eat things like pizza, burritos, and ice cream. I love to eat.

I assume most of you are like me. I love to eat, and eating is more than just for nourishment.

I love to eat. Well, assuming many of you are like me, and knowing I’m new to the area; tell me a few of your favorite places to eat. (Don’t start just yet - I brought a pen and paper so I can take notes.)

Eating is more than just for nourishment.

Our Gospel text this morning from Luke 24(13-35) in many ways is about how a meal is more than just about physical nourishment.

Our day’s Scriptural Story begins in the late afternoon on the first day of the week following the crucifixion of Jesus. And we have two guys, two disciples, who are leaving Jerusalem just forty-eight hours after Christ’s death. These disciples stayed in Jerusalem for two full days as they tried to make sense of what had happened, and they finally begin their journey home as they leave Jerusalem and their buried hopes behind.

These two disciples leave Jerusalem through the West Gate and begin walking the road to Emmaus – A small town about seven miles from Jerusalem. Their grief was great, for the One they had believed to be the Messiah had been stripped, beaten, humiliated, and put to death on a cross.

As these two walked into the deepening shadows of the evening light, caught up in their own conversation about the events of the past few days, they were joined by a third person. It’s difficult to say exactly why – perhaps it was the sun in their eyes, the distraction of their own conversation, the weight of their grief, or perhaps even the Holy Spirit, who veiled their discernment – but for whatever reason the two men did not recognize the third person – And yet it was Jesus, the very one they were talking about.

The men continued on their journey. They walk, they talk, and they don’t recognize Jesus.

They approach Emmaus and their home, and it appeared that Jesus would go on. But, as it was getting late, and it was their custom, the two men asked him to stay. So Jesus stayed.

Once inside, the three men sit down to gain some nourishment. They sit down for a meal.

In many ways eating is more than just for nourishment.

As I think about sitting down for a meal, I believe it does two important things for us. 1) A meal often provides an opportunity to interact. 2) A meal can remind us of prior experiences.

So, as we look at the first one, “A meal often provides an opportunity to interact.” How does it do that? Well, most often we enjoy meals in the company of friends and family.

Growing up, my parents were pretty insistent upon us sitting at the table together each night. We always had meals together. They would ask us about our day and share things from theirs. The table was an important place for our family to interact and connect. We knew one another because of the time we spent at the table, sharing a meal, sharing life!

So often, when we get together with friends, food is involved. We suggest lunch, or dinner to reacquaint with old friends, to keep up with current friends and to get to know new ones. We all need the physical nourishment of a meal, yet we so often couple it with the opportunity to interact with others!

A meal can also remind us of prior experiences. Have you ever had a meal which immediately made you think of some other time or experience? Sometimes just the function of being together with friends – around the table, eating pizza, can remind you of all the good ol’ stories you’ve had together.

Sometimes just sitting down for dinner at a particular restaurant can remind me of different experiences. It’s weird, while I’ve gone to California Pizza Kitchen for much of my life – I often think of one of my friends from high school. I guess Justin and I ate there a handful of times together… but beyond other friends who I’ve been to CPK with, my mind most often is drawn to Justin.

Since it is Mother’s Day, what foods remind you of your mom? For me, it’s either lasagna or Chicken Noodle Casserole. One’s a good memory, one not so good. What foods remind you of your mom?

In many ways I think eating is more than just for physical nourishment. I believe Jesus knew the power a meal together can hold when he instituted the Eucharist. As he broke bread and shared the cup, I think he was telling us about the power in communion. There’s something powerful about breaking bread, eating, and being together.

At the Last Super, when Jesus took the bread and broke it, when he took the cup and passed it, he told his disciples to remember. And this function of remembering is very powerful. So often we limit the remembering of the holy elements to the worship service. But I have grown to love this time of remembering beyond the traditional sacramental use in the church service.

It was probably while in Seminary that my emotional and cognitive connection with eating and participating at the table exploded. I’d already begun appreciating the elements. I had always loved eating with people and remembering… but it was hearing the story my Professor Dr. Hahn shared of his son that truly flipped the switch. His son Timothy is a few years older than I am, but his simplistic wisdom in many ways far succeeds my own. Timothy is a young man who has carries the weight of Down Syndrome, and perhaps it is this perspective which allowed him to articulate Jesus’ words and actions so clearly.

One day during class Dr. Hahn told us a story about sitting down at the family table for a meal. As they passed the turkey and the potatoes and the bread, his son looked over at him and said –In remembrance dad! In Remembrance, in remembrance Dad! And Dr Hahn, even being the smart, theologically minded, seminary professor that he is, asked his son – Timothy, what do you mean?

I love the physical elements of the bread and cup. I love how different things can draw us back and we can remember specific, different, and detailed aspects. I love to hold the bread in my hand and remember Christ’s body… I love to be able to rip a piece of bread from the loaf and reflect upon Christ’s body being beaten and in many ways torn apart.

I love the process of dipping the bread into the cup. Sometimes – when you’re lucky, a little bit of the juice dribbles down your hand. Like the blood Christ shed for us, on the cross, dripping down his face and hands.

These elements can powerfully connect us with the real presence of who God is, and how he has stepped into our lives! But in many ways, these elements are not limited to the Holy practice we place them in within the church. The bread and cup, like a Down Syndrome boy can attest are simply that – common items – found in communion.

Interestingly, Dr Hahn lead a weekly worship service at his church that was purely word and deed. The service had no music, but each week they had a message and participated in communion. Dr Hahn’s son Timothy always participated in that service. And that evening as they sat around the family table, as they shared food and specifically the bread – Timothy put the two together. With tears in his eyes, Dr. Hahn realized Timothy was acutely aware of how they were participating in the very real presence of God’s Holy Communion.

Luke reminds us that it was at a common meal, among new – yet old friends, that Jesus was recognized. In many ways eating is more than just for nourishment. As we eat we are given the opportunity to come into communion with one another and with the real presence of Jesus Christ. A meal provides us the opportunity to interact and even reflect upon prior experiences.

As we break bread together Jesus asks us to remember. He didn’t tell us to remember when we go to church or we go to worship. He didn’t ask us to remember when we’re on vacation in his beautiful creation at the beach or in the mountains. He tells us to remember when we are doing an every day, three times a day, kind of activity. We’re to remember when we do something which in many ways nourishes us, and keeps us going.

The beauty of the meal, and particularly of the meal shared at the end of Luke’s Gospel, is that it not only reminds us, but it also invites us. It not only reminds us, it also invites us!

Our Gospel text this morning from Luke 24 in many ways is about how dinner with Jesus is an invitation to a new life. As we remember Christ’s sacrifice, we are invited into a life of self-giving. As our eyes are opened to the presence of God, we are invited to be clothed with power from on High.

In our Gospel Text, it wasn’t until Jesus was at the dinner table with the two from Emmaus—breaking bread, giving thanks and sharing together—that the scales of doubt and defeat dropped from the men’s eyes and they recognized who it was they were eating with. The disciples became aware of who Jesus was as they broke bread. As they broke into the common elements – their eyes were opened, and they remembered.

For us, I believe the road to Emmaus is a beautiful reminder that it is often through our common meals that we can be reminded of God’s sacrifice for us, his presence among us, and his invitation into his life of love for tomorrow.

In times of darkness and confusion – When we are walking along our own roads to Emmaus, may we too be reminded of God’s presence among us as we participate in the common practices of sharing a meal together. God is with us, walking, talking, listening, and ready to share his life giving sustain bread of life.

As you dine with friends and family, may you always be reminded of the past, as you reflect upon the present, while recognizing God’s active presence among you!

As we come to the Lord’s Table today, we trust in the fact that it is a means of Grace. It is a means of understanding, connecting, reflecting, and inviting. Partake of these common elements this day and remember the life that was, is and will be – ever present ever inviting, and ever loving.

(As it is Family Sunday - We began with an experiential part with brown paper bags, each one containing an item. The bags were labeled with one of our 5 senses. Participants from the congregation were asked to identify the contents of the bag using the Sense specified on the bag.)

One of my favorite passages in Scripture comes from Mark 9 Listen as I read it to you. (vs24: Help me overcome my unbelief)

Our Gospel Text this morning reminds us how our world is full of unbelief and doubt is part of our everyday life. We all have had moments of doubt. We’ve all doubted whether our team will win the big game, or whether someone will call when they say they will. We’ve all experienced moments of unbelief. We all have been like Thomas – and even doubted God’s resurrected life among us.

Doubt isn’t the problem. The problem is when we get caught up in one system. The problem is when our eyes are so focused that we can only see things through one perspective. The problem is when we devoted to a singular system of thinking, experiencing and believing.

For Thomas, the problem was his thinking – he was caught up in one system. He was caught up in thinking things have to work a certain way. His problem was being devoted to knowing things through only one avenue.

Thomas thought he couldn’t believe in Christ’s resurrection unless he saw Jesus with his own eyes. Thomas wouldn’t believe unless he touched the body of Jesus; unless he put his hands in the holes and felt across the scars. Thomas was caught up in thinking the world only functioned in one way. He forgot that God is God, and God will work however God chooses.

Jesus says: Blessed are the ones who believe without seeing.

In many ways – that’s us. Blessed are those who believe without seeing. Unlike the disciples, we have not literally - physically seen Jesus. Unlike Moses, we have not seen Him in burning a bush. Yet, God has given us the ability to look at our life and know he is here. We can see him throughout creation. We can feel him in the hug of a friend. We can smell him, with the fresh cut flowers. We can hear him, as the wind blows by and the birds chirp. God has given us our senses, these unique ways of knowing – believing – and having faith in Him.

Jesus says: Blessed are the ones who believe without seeing.

You know, God gave us our senses, and he expects us to use them! He has given us tools to use to look at life and see him at work.

Before you came in the sanctuary this morning – you could smell something couldn’t you? As you took your first step into the building, your senses began churning. You smelled popcorn.

Before you could see the popcorn, before you could touch the popcorn, before you could taste the popcorn, you believed there was popcorn nearby. God is like this. God is often moving and working, and if we allow ourselves to utilize the tools he’s given us – we can see him, touch him, and experience him!

I believe God equips us. Along with the Holy Spirit, God has given us many tools to engage and know Him. He’s not limited to one set. He has an entire shop full of tools, and they are available to us.

Being a part of a Holiness Church, one with its roots going back to John Wesley, we look and understand our relationship with God in four prominent ways; Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience.

The Holy Scriptures are the most profound and direct way for us to know God. That’s why we dig into them, memorize them, study them, and come back to them time and time again. The Scripture gives us room to explore who God is and how he interacts with us. But we don’t sit only upon the Scripture. We see our lives and how they interact with Scripture.

We know God through our Scriptures, our Tradition, our own Experiences and our God given ability to Reason. we know God because of one another, and in many ways – when we read Scriptural texts like the one today revolving around Thomas – we are given another opportunity to practice our God-given gifts.

While Thomas believed he needed the visual – God asks us to have faith like a child. And yet he has given us many ways to know him, believe him and have faith in him. We have our senses, we have our experiences, we have our traditions, and we have our Scriptures.

I believe there are times in life when it is appropriate to use particular sense or avenue to know and interact with God. We can experience God’s loving embrace through the hug of a friend. We see God’s loving creation in the butterflies and humming birds, in the ocean and the waves. We can taste God’s care for details as we eat strawberries and oranges.

In many ways, I believe we are God’s hands and feet here on earth. We are his body. We are his mode of transportation. We are his ambassadors. We are his flesh and bone in the twenty-first century. As we move throughout our days, let’s not get stuck in one avenue of thinking. Let’s not limit the ways God can and will interact with us. Let’s not Doubt, simply because we refuse to utilize some of our God given gifts.

Our Gospel text this morning says: Blessed are the ones who believe without seeing.

We all have had moments of doubt and unbelief. We’ve all doubted whether our team is going to win the big game, or whether someone will call when they say they will. We’ve all doubted. We all have been like Thomas. But doubt isn’t the problem.

The problem is when we get caught up in one system. The problem is when our eyes are so focused that we can only see things through one perspective. The problem is when we devoted to a singular system of thinking, experiencing and believing.

It is through all these aspects that we know God. We know him through Scripture, Tradition, Experience and Reason. And in many ways – when we read Scriptural texts like the one today revolving around Thomas – we are given another opportunity to practice our God-given gifts.

I believe it’s often through our senses that God teaches and interacts. In many ways, I believe we are God’s hands and feet here on earth. We are his mode of transportation. We are his ambassadors. We are his flesh and bone in the twenty-first century. As we move throughout our days, let’s not get stuck in one avenue of thinking. Let’s not limit the ways God can and will interact with us. Allow your senses to be heightened to the presence of God. And ask him to help you overcome your unbelief!

As you go, allow your faith to blossom through your senses. Go and Love!

About Me

I’m a husband, father, and friend. At the core of who I am, I love being active; whether it’s riding my scooter, flying kites, or playing at the beach. I believe we must be active - even in our faith! I have a heart for sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ and inspiring others to do the same. I find joy looking at life from different angles with the freedom to redevelop old and create new space, where the kingdom of God is displayed.